SLIPPERY ELM or

RED ELM

SLIPPERY ELM or Red Elm (ULmus rubra)

Slippery elm is rare in the state. This species occurrs naturally only in York and Franklin Counties. It grows best on low, rich soil, though it sometimes occurs on higher ground. It grows up to 50 feet in height and 2 feet in diameter.

The head is very broad and almost flat.

The bark is thick, dark brown tinged with red, divided by shallow fissures into flat ridges and covered with flat scales. Inner bark is mucilaginous.

The leaves are simple, alternate, 4-6 inches long, sharply toothed, dark green and very rough on the upper surface and hairy on the under surface.

The flowers appear before the leaves about the middle of April.

The fruit is small, flattened and winged without hairs on the margin. It ripens in late spring.

The winter buds are obtuse, dark brown in color and covered with rusty hairs.

The wood is heavy, strong and durable.